15-year-old among 5 people caught for possessing e-vaporisers in HSA, NEA crackdown

Five people, aged between 15 and 37, were caught for possessing e-vaporisers and other related components during joint enforcement operations  by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) from Oct 8 to 10.

A total of six e-vaporisers and related components were seized, including one e-vaporiser suspected to contain etomidate, a sedative-hypnotic drug. 

The seized pod has been sent for further testing, said HSA.

The operations targeted areas including Khatib, Yishun, and Punggol.

In a statement released on Monday (Oct 13), HSA said that all five individuals were fined the maximum of $2,000 on the spot. 

"Following public feedback received from our reporting platforms, we identified vaping hotspots and conducted enforcement operations in these areas," said HSA.

In a separate enforcement action in Punggol, a person under the age of 21 was also caught for smoking.

From Sept 8 to 29, HSA enforcement officers, together with security personnel from Institutes of Higher Learning, conducted enforcement operations during which a 24-year-old man was caught and found in possession of e-vaporisers and related components.

He was issued a notice of composition and fined on the spot.

Under the enhanced framework, those found possessing, using or buying vapes face higher penalties than before.

First-time etomidate abusers aged 18 and above will face a fine of $700, and are required to attend rehabilitation for up to six months.

Repeat offenders will be subject to investigations, drug tests, and mandatory monitoring for six months, which includes rehabilitation. 

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